The first Sunday league game started on a remarkably sunny day, however flattering to deceive with the pitch being very green and the odd puddle here or there as well which meant changing strips to a slightly 'drier' one.
The warm-up resembled more of an iron man contest as each person took turns to prove their strength by unlocking the sight screens. If the opposition wasn’t scared now, then we really had a game on!
SCECC captains continued to defy the law of averages this season, losing the toss yet again and being put into bat. A steady start and a notable contribution from Rob who put on 45 got us off to a good start, yet the initiative went to the away team who picked up regular wickets in the middle on the innings to halt the scoring.
A late resurgence from the lower order with Kieran Burke, Pete Jones and Shiv Meeda took the score to beat up to 126, a little short of what could have been a difficult chase on this pitch.
North Bucks began the chase in confident fashion although taking risks and inevitably, chances were going to come. Jay Fletcher got the ball rolling and Shiv Meeda continued to take out the top order. The away side found themselves 60-odd for 5 and SCECC were in with a shout.
Ian Peacock and Simon Sidwell bowled excellent spells in the middle, putting the pressure on the away side and picking up wickets at regular intervals. The equation became 12 runs needed with 2 wickets in hand, things got tense, a catch went down, an edge flew past the slips and keeper and the away side got away with it.
A solid start for the Sunday league and encouraging contributions throughout the team looks positive for the future. The fielding and team spirit out in the field was fantastic and we can look forward to the return leg of this fixture next...
MATCH FACTS
BATTING:
SCECC - Rob Hatcher 45, Pete Jones 13.
BOWLING:
SCECC - Shiv Meed 3/??, Simon Sidwell 3/29
Man of the Match: Rob Hatcher
Pitch Condition: Green with damp patches! Variable, spongy bounce with some movement throughout the day.
Strip used: | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | (Again!)
Team: Rob Hatcher (c), Simon Pugh, Rajiv Kapur, Ian Peacock, Dave Pugh, Mike Camwell, Pete Jones, Jay Fletcher, Kieran Burke, Shiv Meeda, Simon Sidwell.
Report by Shiv Meeda.